MEDIA — Gov. Tom Corbett branded himself as an official willing to make difficult decisions in a trying economy Friday during a re-election campaign stop at D’Ignazio’s Towne House.

“If you want a governor who is going to be afraid to make the tough decisions and just kick the can down the road, I’m not your candidate,” Corbett said at a luncheon thrown by the Delaware County Republican Party. “If you’re looking for a governor who is going to make the best decisions for what is in the interest of my children and my grandchildren and not their re-election, then I think you want to re-elect me. I ask for your vote.”

The Republican governor formally announced his re-election bid Wednesday at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. Corbett and Lt. Governor Jim Cawley then launched their “Promises Kept” re-election tour with several stops in Southeastern Pennsylvania Thursday and Friday.

Corbett touted his administration’s efforts to eliminate a $4.2 billion budget deficit without raising income taxes. He also heralded developments involving Marcellus Shale, adding that natural gas will bring thousands of jobs to Pennsylvania.

“We have a tremendous future ahead of us if we stay the course,” Corbett said. “And we’re going to stay the course. We’re going to move forward. We have the potential because of our location, because of our work ethic and because of our inexpensive power energy here in Pennsylvania.”

However, only 20 percent of registered voters believe Corbett is worthy of a second term, according to a poll conducted by Franklin and Marshall College. More registered Republicans believe Corbett should step aside than seek re-election. His performance ratings are lower than those of former Governors Ed Rendell and Tom Ridge at a similar time.

Eight Democrats already have declared their candidacies, including state Treasurer Rob McCord, U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz and former state Department of Revenue Secretary Tom Wolf.

Corbett scoffed at his low approval ratings, saying he is not willing to be a governor that takes the path of least resistance. He said he will not allow his re-election efforts to interfere with governmental decisions.

“That is leadership,” Corbett said. “It’s not, ‘which way is the wind blowing and what are the poll numbers?’ Leading is by setting the example. Leading is also keeping your word.”

Corbett has met his initial campaign pledges to produce timely budgets without new state taxes. Yet, signature proposals to reform pensions, privatize the liquor store and fund a transportation overhaul have been unsuccessful despite Republican majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Corbett also has faced heavy criticism for his handling of the public education budget. Federal stimulus funding expired during his term, but Corbett also slashed line items for charter school reimbursement and various grant programs — money that directly benefits the classroom. His administration raised basic education funding by 2.27 percent in 2013-14.

However, when mandated expenses like transportation and pension payments are factored into the total education appropriation, education spending is at record levels — a prominent point in Corbett’s stump speech.

David Landau, chairman of the Delaware County Democratic Party, acknowledged that Corbett was forced to make difficult decisions, but said they were made on the backs of public education.

“He can try to revise his story as much as he wants to but, rest assured, the Democrats will be out there telling the voters the truth,” Landau said.

Landau also criticized Corbett for his failure to raise new revenue streams, implement economic development programs and sign a transportation bill.

“There’s a litany of things that have adversely affected Delaware County under Gov. Corbett,” Landau said.

Andrew Reilly, chairman of the Delaware County Republican Party, praised Corbett for generating 141,000 private-sector jobs and for playing an integral role in finding new uses for the refineries in Marcus Hook and Trainer.

“Gov. Corbett has an excellent record that we really need to get out to Delaware County voters,” Reilly said. “Because he’s such a humble, decent man, he’s not one to just spike the football after a touchdown. He’s accomplished a great deal in his first three years.”

Cawley and first lady Susan Corbett also attended the luncheon. Other prominent Delco Republicans in attendance included District Attorney Jack Whelan, Delaware County Executive Director Marianne Grace, State Rep. Nicholas Micozzie, R-163, of Upper Darby, State Rep. William Adolph, R-165, of Springfield, and county council members John McBlain and Colleen Marrone.

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About the Author

John Kopp is a reporter for the Delaware County Daily Times, who covers state and county politics. Follow him on Twitter @DT_JohnKopp Reach the author at jkopp@delcotimes.com
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